"It is embarrassing, one of the most embarrassing nights of the year. When we
get back next Monday we'll need to get ready for Phoenix," said Blazers
forward Nicolas Batum. "We need a good break and to get some rest and then get
back and have a good game against Phoenix."

Portland's Wesley Matthews left early in the first quarter after injuring his
left ankle. Matthews hurt himself after colliding with the Hornets' Austin
Rivers, landing awkwardly on his left leg before being helped off the court.

The Hornets outscored the Blazers, 19-14, in the first quarter and led by a
38-26 count at the break. New Orleans shot just 37.2 percent (16-for-43) over
the first 24 minutes but smothered Portland defensively, forcing 11 turnovers
and holding the Blazers to just 30.6 percent (11-for-36) from the field.

Vasquez and Davis led a balanced New Orleans scoring attack with seven points
apiece, while Al-Farouq Aminu and Smith each scored six.

The Hornets used a 15-7 run early in the third period to increase its margin,
and the lead grew to 25 before New Orleans took a 67-44 advantage into the
final quarter.

Portland never got closer than 20 points down the rest of the way.

"We just tried to stay aggressive, we started off in the first half and played
good defense and just tried to carry that over to the second half," Davis
said. "We just got after it tonight and stuck with the game plan. We kept
talking, and when we do that it's hard to beat us."

Game Notes

New Orleans guard Eric Gordon missed his second straight game because of a
sprained right hand ... The Hornets scored 20 points off of 18 Trail Blazers'
turnovers ... Portland went 13-for-13 from the free throw line ... Trail
Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge scored a season-low six points on 2-of-11
shooting. It was just the second time this season he failed to reach double
figures.